You're gonna miss this...

Have you heard the country song by Trace Adkins titled YOU'RE GONNA MISS THIS? This has been my theme song since I heard it. "What's that...you're tired of nursing babies 10 times a day-well you know you're gonna miss this someday, babies do grow up. Come again...you just cleaned the living room 2 minutes ago and it's already filled back up with the same toys you just put away...that's right you're gonna miss this too someday." It's hard to not wish away this crazy, demanding, out of control time of our lives so every once in a while I remind myself that I really am going to miss this. Or am I? It's hard to think that I'll ever miss baby food splatters on all my clothes, changing 16 diapers a day, loading and unloading the dishwasher non-stop, etc. But I know that it's the baby giggles, the kids' artwork just for me, FHE lessons taught by a 3 year old, and little girl hugs and kisses that I'll really miss. And who knows maybe cleaning my house and having it stay clean will even become boring eventually...Nah, I don't think so! So to all you awesome Moms out there going through this stage with me...hang in there, enjoy this time, it won't last forever! :( And to you moms who made it through this stage I salute you! Yahoo, great job, you made it! And could you just reassure me...do you really miss this? :)

Live-In Nanny/Housekeeper Wanted!!!

It's official, my sister is engaged! We are so happy for them. I'm especially glad she found her future husband up here in Idaho while helping my family, then I don't feel so guilty. At least she got something out of it, right? I'm also glad that she'll still be living close, at least for a little while. I can't tell you how much I appreciate her and all she has done for me. She moved in with us when I was 5 months pregnant. She has done laundry, cleaned bathrooms, wiped bums, changed diapers, bought groceries, shuttled kids to school and dance, made dinners, fed babies, scrubbed floors, changed sheets, wiped noses, and on and on and on. She also stayed with me during the 10 long days in the hospital when the babies had RSV. She was there almost every day and a few nights too. She made the time there bearable and even humorous sometimes. Without her there I would have gone crazy. She also was one of my three breast-feeding assistants. :) Nursing twins can be tricky and it took 2 of us to get them fed and burped every feeding. She made middle of the night feedings fun. We would get laughing so hard (everything is funny at 3 AM)! We talked about all of our LOST theories and about our inventions that were going to make us rich. (baby armor) Looking back, how did she even have time to date? The other interesting tidbit is that she has done all this while living in our unfinished basement. A little Cinderellaesque don't you think? Hmmm. Does that make me the evil stepmother? Anyway, thank you Brooke for helping us so much. I don't know what we would have done without you. You're the best and we love you so much. We love Reese too, and know that you will be so happy together!

First Day of Kindergarten

Yep! Today was August's first day of kindergarten. She did great! She did have to give me a few extra hugs as I dropped her off (which I needed by the way). I actually held it together...no tears from either of us. (Probably because I cried them all out last night! LOL) As she was eating breakfast I overheard her talking to herself and giving herself a little pep talk. She said, "Okay, I'm going to remember that I believe in Jesus and I'm going to listen to everything my teacher, Mrs. Austin, tells me." Isn't that the cutest?!

The babies are already 7 months old. They are so funny. It's fun to see their different personalities coming out. The both have 2 teeth, they sit up, and can somehow maneuver themselves around to their toys: they pivet, scoot, whatever it takes.

Grandma's Book Review: 5 STARS!!

The babies had their 6 month checkup yesterday. The doc says they are doing great! Aiden weighed in at 15-15 and Avery 15-7. August and Addison weighed about that at 4 months! Oh well, they are growing that's the important thing. I think them being premature has made me obsessed with their weight. I find it a compliment when people call them chubby because I know how they started out...teeny tiny. Aiden also got her first tooth on Sunday. They are eating cereal and loving it. That brings me to my birthday and some presents I received.


My birthday was last week. Two weeks ago I was at my in-laws after a rather intense afternoon with the girls. The babies can't sit up yet, but they want to be entertained all of the time. We had been looking at bouncers, exersaucers, etc., but I hadn't bought any. Anyway I was saying how I really needed something to entertain them and pronto. They then decided to give me my present early...two, beautiful, life-saving exersaucers! They were the exact ones I wanted! I wanted to cry. My sanity was given back to me in the shape of two big baby toys. Thanks again Pam & Leon!


My mom came for a few days around my birthday and all 7 of us girls had a great time together. She bought me a second high-chair to round out what's become feeding station #2. (Feeding station #1 is the recliner in my room where I usually nurse the babies for what feels like 90 percent of the day!) So basically I got a lot of stuff for the babies but it makes my life so much easier. The night of my birthday my mom babysat and Brandon & I went out, like on a date. Do I need to repeat that...A DATE! As horrible as this sounds it's true... I can't remember the last time we went out, just the two of us. We had a great time. We ate at Johnny Carino's (yum) and then went and saw Indiana Jones (and it wasn't even at the cheap theater!) Thanks for the visit mom...we didn't want you to leave!

August and Addison had swimming lessons this month. They finished up while my mom was here so she was able to hang out at the pool with me and watch. The girls really enjoyed lessons and looked forward to them everyday. No olympic swimmers yet, but boy can they play a mean game of "Fishy in the Basket!" They both had "boy" teachers and they loved it. They guys were so cute with them. (Brennan & Addison-August & Sam)

I just finished reading my Grandma's life history. She is so amazing. She has always kept journals and has written a few books. She wrote her history, had it bound, and then gave one to all her family members. Brooke and I have enjoyed reading a lot of it together -it is so entertaining. It has been so fun to look back on her wonderful life (so far) and remember how great my childhood was with her. She lived just around the block from us and we would see her pretty much everyday. Not only is she wonderful beyond description, she is also hilarious. We love how she named sections of the book with crazy headings, trying to incorporate all that happened in that section. Here are a few examples: "MINERAL OIL AND A MELODRAMA", "A SNOW FORT & SCHOOL LUNCH", "WAYNE'S WAFFLES & LOTS OF KIDS." To all you family members out there that haven't read it yet...I give it 5 stars. It's a great read...you'll laugh, you'll cry, it has something for everyone. I love you Grandma, you're truly one of a kind!!!

4th of July

We had a great 4th of July this year. It's my favorite holiday! We went to Brandon's Aunt Debi's the night of the 3rd and had hot dogs, smores, and watched fireworks. Some families in their neighborhood put on a great fireworks show. It was awesome! I didn't think the babies would last until the fireworks, but they did and they weren't scared of the noise or lights. Good babies!
The next morning Brandon took the girls with him to the parade. He had to drive the Arrow van along the parade route before it started and hand out flyers. The girls waved flags out the window and had a blast. After the parade we had a BBQ at Pam and Leon's. Lots of good food and good company. Brooke came too because Reese was working. The yard at the new house is just awesome. Lots of shade and space for the kids to play. All the cousins played great together. August, Austin, and Addie were pretty much inseparable. Becka and her friend Lisa had crafts for the kids to do and that was a big hit. They made cute, festive, visors.

I opted to stay home with the babies and not go to the BIG fireworks that night down at the river. Brandon said they were awesome as usual. If you've never experienced an Idaho Falls fireworks show you're missing out. They do them by the river and they reflect in the water. I could hear them...and we live across town! We had a great time with Brandon's sisters too. It's fun getting together and seeing everyone. Thanks for a great holiday everyone! I especially appreciate all the help with the girls.